Leather bookmarks made in memory of a popular Hinckley shoemaker are being offered to those who knew and loved him.

Barwell born and bred Robert Lucas, who made orthopaedic footwear from a shop on Lower Bond Street in Hinckley until his retirement in 2008, died last year aged 77.

Grandchildren of Hinckley-based surgical shoemaker Robert Lucas, from left, Ben Mitchell, 24, Abby Mitchell, 21, and Emma Mitchell aged 12, show some of the leather bookmarks and commemorative booklets

Overwhelmed by the tributes paid to him, his family has used some of his left-over leather to produce personalised bookmarks which they are offering as mementoes.

A booklet featuring family photographs, along with tributes from letters and emails received after his death and comments made in a memorial book at his funeral service, has also been compiled to share.

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Katy Mitchell, one of Mr Lucas’s three children, said: “Dad made hundreds of bookmarks during his time working in his shop in the town.

“He would make them for fundraising ventures in the churches or to commemorate someone’s life or share a special prayer so it seems a fitting tribute that we have been able to make bookmarks with Dad’s leather.”

The memorial bookmarks feature an image of a shoe with the words “Celebrating the life of Robert Lucas 1937 - 2015”.

Orthopaedic shoemaker Robert Lucas

It also has words from Psalm 98 “Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvellous things” in recognition of Mr Lucas’s Christian faith and his love of music.

A service of celebration for Mr Lucas’s life was held in St Mary’s Church, Barwell, and led by the Reverend Canon Geoffrey Willett, former vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Hinckley and one of many wearers of Mr Lucas’s bespoke footwear.

Anyone who would like a bookmark or tribute booklet is asked to call Katy Mitchell on 07885 956619 or to email katymitchell@icloud.com